Forward Will Russ joins on loan

South Shields FC is delighted to announce the loan signing of Fleetwood Town forward Will Russ.

The 19-year-old has joined on a deal until January 3rd, after recently completing a one-month spell with FC United.

Russ is a Leicester City Academy graduate and scored four goals during his time at FC United, including a hat-trick in his final appearance for the club, against Morpeth Town, and a winning goal away to Warrington Town.

The 19-year-old was part of the Reds side which inflicted the Mariners’ only defeat of the season so far a fortnight ago.

Russ, a Wales Under-19s international, said: “It feels good to be here.

“When I played against South Shields for FC United, I saw the football they played and I was very impressed.

“My loan was up with FC and I had a couple of options, but when South Shields came in it all aligned very well.

“As a striker, my aim is to come here, score goals and help the team win games.

“I can’t wait to get started and after seeing the fans at the game on Saturday, I can’t wait to play in front of them and hopefully I can score a few in front of them.”

South Shields manager Kevin Phillips said: “He is a young lad with lots of talent, and we’re delighted he has agreed to join us after his loan spell with FC United.

“I think most people would agree that the only thing we’ve lacked so far this season is someone who consistently puts the ball in the net.

“We’re very pleased to have brought in another player who has a pedigree of scoring goals for Fleetwood’s Under-23s and FC United, and he did very well in the game against us.

“He will bring added physicality because he is a big lad, is very athletic and he has shown he can score goals.

“We’re hugely looking forward to working with him.”

Russ will be available for Tuesday’s Pitching In Northern Premier League trip to Liversedge, subject to the appropriate clearances being received in time.